As of today, Kittitas County is in Phase 3 of the Washington State Phased Plan. We also have an increase of 7 active cases, which brings us to 13 active cases (105 confirmed, 92 recovered). We know that Washington State will require us to be in this phase for a minimum of 3 weeks, but it is likely that Phase 3 will last much longer than Phase 2. There is no application or metrics available for Phase 4 at this time.

As much as we want COVID-19 to be gone and this pandemic to be over, we know that we will continue to be dealing with this novel respiratory illness for an extended period of time in some way or another. We can be proud of our county for making Phase 3; nevertheless, we have to maintain a level of vigilance to keep our county safe. So, what should Phase 3 look like?

People who are at high risk (65 and older, pregnant women, people who are considered immune-compromised) should continue to stay home and not interact with large groups. Everyone should be implementing the basics of staying home when you are sick, washing your hands frequently, and covering your cough. The number of people gathering can increase, but everyone should be wearing a cloth face covering and still trying to maintain physical distance if possible. We can resume non-essential travel, so be cautious of COVID-19 activity levels to where you are traveling.

If you want information about activities allowed in the State’s Phased Plan for Phase 3, visit https://coronavirus.wa.gov/. If you have questions about your health, please contact your healthcare provider or you can call the Temporary COVID Clinic at KVH at 509-933-8850. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department at KVH. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call the EOC at 509-933-8315 or 509-933-8305.

Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us